Saracens Mavericks 56-63 Manchester Thunder

Facing Thunder is never a palatable prospect, but overturning Team Bath’s nine-point lead to claim victory just two days earlier proved Mavericks’ top-class quality and laudable work rate.  

The supporters at the sell-out home venue gave it their all too, in a high-energy atmosphere throughout. 

The visitors from Manchester started powerfully though, stretching their legs to a six-point advantage by the end of the first quarter, with the attacking prowess of Lenize Potgieter and Lois Pearson causing Mavericks all sorts of problems.  

Camilla Buchanan’s squad found their stride in the subsequent quarters of this feisty match-up, even winning the final quarter but, unlike in Bath, it was not enough to wrestle back momentum and secure the victory. 

In truth, this was a composed performance from Thunder, on an afternoon where they showcased all of their champion qualities.  

Whilst the Mancunians were shining in the attacking third, it was their sheer power in defence that was keeping Mavericks at bay.  

Marshalled superbly by Shadine van der Merwe, Thunder made Ine-Mari Venter and Kira Rothwell work for every inch of space, before Venter was forced from the court with a knock to her leg.  

In her place, Britney Clarke put in a commanding performance, with Georgia Lees also making an impact off the bench, but in truth, Thunder were always slightly out of reach.  

Whilst the action on the court lived up to expectations, there was also cause to celebrate off it as well for both sides, with Eliza Barclay making her Netball Super League debut for Mavericks and Josie Huckle celebrating her 150th appearance in the competition. 

Report supplied by Saracens Mavericks